James Sammin 1840-1922

SAMMIN, MAXWELL, BRODIGAN

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 7/7/2010 at 17:44:01

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
5 Apr 1922
Page 1

James Sammin Dies at Age of 82

Engaged in Business in Emmetsburg Forty-three Years Ago.

James Sammin of this city, whose health became impaired two years ago when his condition made it necessary for him to retire from business, passed away at his home in this city last Friday. Thursday he was able to be about and felt as well as usual but at 9:30 p.m. he took a severe coughing spell and in a short time his condition became very serious. Medical aid was promptly summoned but it is thought that he received another stroke of paralysis, which hastened the end. The funeral was held on Monday. Services were conducted at the Assumption church, Monsignor P. F. Farrelly celebrating a requiem high mass. Many old neighbors and friends besides the close relatives of the deceased, were in attendance. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. The pall bearers were Thomas O'Connor, J. P. Downs, J. K. Martin, Peter Bough, Daniel Burns and M. F. Brennan.

Mr. Sammin was a native of Askalon, County of Mayo, Ireland. He was born in 1840. His age was eighty-two. He came to the United States in 1858, soon after locating at Clinton, Mass. He was married at that place to Katherine Maxwell, November 18, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Sammin spent some time at Scranton, Pa., after which they came west, locating at Wycoff, Minnesota. Forty-three years ago they became residents of Emmetsburg, subsequently making their home in this city. Mr. Sammin was a shoemaker and followed his trade steadily until he became advanced in years when his constitution became impaired and he was obliged to retire. Mrs. Sammin died on September 16, 1914. Mr. Sammin is survived by two sons and three daughters. The sons are William and Joseph. Will is manager of a large produce house at Onawa, this state, and Joseph represents the same firm at Jefferson, Iowa. The daughters are Mrs. D. Brodigan of Emmetsburg and Misses Nellie and Nettie, who are at home. Miss Nettie has had a position in the Whittemore school for a number of years. During the past two or three years, Miss Nellie had to give up her work in order to take care of her father. There were three other sons. John died in 1903, Gene in 1907, and Frank passed away when five years old.

A familiar figure in daily meetings and greetings on our streets and in Emmetsburg gatherings for nearly fifty years has been taken from our midst. Mr. Sammin was sharp and observing and he kept well posted on local, state and general affairs. He was a ready and interesting converser and there was always a vein of rich humor in his comments on public matters and community occurrences. He had a great many warm friends. He had very few enemies. He loved the land of his nativity with the ardor of an Emmet and he knew well the long record of her government and her severe trials. Her victories achieved during the past few years were very comforting to him. At the same time he yielded to no one in his devotion to the highly cherished institutions of the land of his adoption. This was well demonstrated during the world war. Though he had no love for Great Britain as an ally, he was unsparing in his criticism of those who would offer encouragement or assistance to the enemy. He was an active, enthusiastic democrat. He rejoiced in her victories and he often expressed keen disappointment in her reverses. He was a capable tradesman and he was never idle when there was anything to be done. Like all mortals, he was not perfect but his mistakes were of the head and not of the heart. He had nothing to conceal. People always knew where to find him when an expression from him was sought. He detested immorality. He never stooped to commit any act that might be considered questionable. He was frequently caustic in his criticism of persons, policies or propositions but he was always interesting. His keen, witty, original remarks often caused uproarious laughter. The writer was always glad to meet Mr. Sammin on his way to business and to chat with him about passing events. We appreciated his hearty hand shake, his loyal friendship and his encouragement for worthy motives and deeds. All who knew him will learn with sincere regret of his death and offer heartfelt sympathy to the sorrowing sons and daughters.

(Contributor note: Mrs. Catherine Sammin died in 1915, rather than 1914 as stated in this obituary. --J.C.)